Earth's Rapid Spin: The Shortest Day Ever Recorded and the Eris-1 Rocket Launch

Sponsor DetailsThis episode is brought to you with the support of NordVPN...our official VPN partners. To grab your heavily discounted price, plus special offer with 30-day moneyback guarantee, head over to www.nordvpn.com/stuartgary and use the coupon coded STUARTGARY at checkout.In this episode of SpaceTime, we explore some fascinating recent developments in our understanding of Earth and beyond.Earth Experiences Its Shortest DayOn July 9, Earth recorded one of its shortest days, with a rotation 1.51 milliseconds shorter than the average. We discuss how various factors, including gravitational influences from the Moon and Sun, tectonic movements, and even human activities, affect Earth's rotation. This episode also highlights the implications of these changes on our timekeeping systems and the necessity of leap seconds to maintain accuracy in clocks and navigation systems.Gilmour Space's Ares 1 Rocket Launch PreparationsGilmour Space is gearing up for the maiden test flight of its Ares 1 orbital rocket after previous launch attempts were postponed due to technical glitches and weather conditions. We delve into the rocket's design, which includes a unique hybrid propulsion system, and discuss the significance of this launch as Australia’s first all-Australian designed and built launch vehicle since the 1970s.Revising Earth's Geological TimelineA groundbreaking study suggests that Earth's first solid crust formed from a magma ocean around 4.5 billion years ago, shortly after a massive impact event that created the Moon. This research challenges long-held beliefs about the formation of continents and the onset of plate tectonics, indicating that the chemical signatures of continental crust may have originated much earlier than previously thought. We explore the implications of this study for our understanding of Earth's early geological history and the evolution of life.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesNature Journalhttps://www.nature.com/natureNASAhttps://www.nasa.gov/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.